Walmart signs agreements with Engie for 366MW of wind energy

Walmart has signed two new virtual renewable power purchase agreements (VPPAs) to purchase more than 366MW of clean energy from Engie US Wind’s two projects.

The company will purchase 166MW from Engie’s Prairie Hill windfarm in Texas and 200MW from the King Plains windfarm in Oklahoma. Both projects are currently under construction.

Walmart Energy vice-president Mark Vanderhelm said: “Sourcing from wind energy projects like these from Engie is a core component in the mix to meet our goals.

“The energy we’ll procure from these facilities represents an important leap forward on our renewable energy journey and reinforces Walmart’s broader mission to spark collective action alongside key partners to drive environmental sustainability.”

The energy produced by the two windfarms is expected to meet a portion of electricity consumed by Walmart stores, Sam’s Clubs, and distribution centres across the ERCOT and Southwest Power Pool markets annually.

Additionally, the deal is expected to help Walmart achieve its objective of powering 50% of its operations with renewable energy by the end of 2025.

The new agreement with Engie will complement Walmart’s existing VPPA for 150MW at the Triple H windfarm in South Dakota, which is also currently under construction.

Under the latest agreements, Walmart will purchase more than 500MW of wind power from Engie in the US. The three windfarms were part of the portfolio acquired by Engie North America’s subsidiary from Infinity Power Holdings in 2018.

Engie North America CEO and Global Renewable Business Line executive vice-president Gwenaëlle Avice-Huet said: “Walmart’s leadership in promoting sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint in all aspects of its operations has set a truly amazing example for global companies that all should follow. Our companies are fully aligned to build a zero-carbon future together.”

In May, C2 Energy Capital and Walmart implemented 46 power purchase agreements (PPAs) and leases to supply solar power to the US retailer’s operations in five states.